NTPC to decide MDO for Pakri-Barwadih coal block in Jharkhand on 29 sep

A venture of Thriveni Earthmovers and Sainik Mining has emerged as the lowest bidder for Rs 23,000 crore contract of the Pakri-Barwadih coal block.

According to NTPC’s Director (Finance) Kulamani Biswal the tendering process for the appointment of the MDO for the mine has already been completed and “we are going to allot the work to the new MDO.”

State-run power producer NTPC in its board meeting next week will take a call on appointment of a mine developer-cum-operator (MDO) for its Jharkhand mine.

“During the board meeting of NTPC on September 29 the decision on appointment of the MDO for Pakri-Barwadih coal block in Jharkhand will be taken,” a source privy to the development said.

However, NTPC is yet to award the contract based on the final round of bidding for the coal block, the source had added.

NTPC Chairman and Managing Director AK Jha had recently said that the company was targeting to begin production from Pakri-Barwadih coal block in Jharkhand this year and three more blocks in next two years.

The PSU had previously cancelled Rs 23,000-crore contract with Thiess Minecs India to develop the block due to delays.

Thiess Minecs was appointed the mine developer and operator for NTPC’s Pakri-Barwadih mine in November 2010, after a global tender.

The contract, valued at an estimated Rs 23,000 crore was for a period of 27 years, the company had said, adding that the development period was 360 days ending November 25, 2011, with the remainder for operations. Source—